Page last updated on 20th December 2024
How to access supplier and government help with energy bills - Wales
If you can’t afford the energy you need or are already in debt with your energy supplier, there is help available. One step you can take is to check if you are eligible for grants or schemes to help you pay for your energy bills. Continue reading to find out more.
This information was last checked on the 20th of December 2024 and was correct at that time. Things could have changed since then, so please visit the links provided for the most up-to-date information.
Energy price cap
The energy price cap is set by Ofgem, Great Britain's energy regulator. The price cap limits the maximum amount of energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy you use. It applies to standard and default tariffs and is reviewed and updated every three months.
| Fuel | Price per kWh | Daily standing charge* |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 24.5p | 60.99p |
| Gas | 6.24p | 31.66p |
*Standing charges are designed to cover the cost of supplying your property with energy. They are usually a fixed, daily amount which doesn’t vary.
Based on the capped prices above, the average 2-3 bedroom house paying by direct debit should spend £1,717 a year on gas and electricity. However, if you use more energy than the average household you could end up spending more than that per year.
To find out exactly what you are being charged you should contact your energy supplier.
For more information on the price cap, see our guide to the price cap, or Ofgem's website.
Government Support in Wales
The below information is specific to Wales, if you wish to see what is available for people in England or Wales click on the links below:
Council Tax Support
Householders on a low income may be able to get support to pay their Council Tax. This is arranged by local authorities.
You could be eligible if you’re on a low income, claim benefits or live alone. What you get depends on where you live - each council runs its own scheme - your household circumstances and income, as well as who lives with you.
To find out what’s available in your area, contact your local council.
Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund
If you are in a financial crisis and can’t afford to pay your energy bills or other essential costs and you have tried all other routes, you can apply for emergency assistance payments from the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund. You can use this to top up gas and electricity prepay meters, or to pay for oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). You do not have to pay this money back.
You can apply for up to three payments in 12 months. If you have already received payments in the last 12 months, these count towards the three payments you can get.
To find out more and apply visit the government's website
or call 0800 859 5924 (9.30am–4.00pm Monday to Friday).
Fuel Voucher Scheme
If you prepay for your energy but are in a financial crisis, you may be able to get a Fuel Voucher. These can be used to prepay for gas or electricity, or to buy heating oil or LPG. The vouchers are distributed by the Fuel Bank Foundation, working in partnership with the Welsh Government.
Contact Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 to find out more.
Energy discounts and payments in Wales
The below information is specific to Wales, if you wish to see what is available for people in England or Wales click on the links below:
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment provides extra support for older people to pay for heating in the winter. If you were born before 23rd September 1958, and you or your partner get certain benefits, you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people are paid in November or December.
For help, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides support with heating costs in winter for those who need it most. The money is not paid to you directly. It is a one-off discount on your heating bill, paid automatically for those who were eligible.
If you use a prepay meter, you can still qualify for the discount, but you will get it in different ways. For example, you might get a voucher you can use to top up. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible.
The scheme will reopen in October 2024 for this winter. Further details will be made available on the government's Warm Home Discount page.
Cold Weather Payment
If you get:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
You may also get a Cold Weather Payment when the average temperature in your area is freezing (zero degrees Celsius) for seven days in a row.
The scheme will run between 1st November 2024 and 31st of March 2025.
Further details will be made available on the government's Cold Weather Payment page.